'Fatton' Hatton fit to continue

So the Hitman has had it has he? Ricky Hatton proved his doubters, who had written off his career, wrong when he convincingly beat Paul Malignaggi in Las Vegas on Saturday night.
At 30 years of age, Hatton may not have the raw power and ferocity he once had, but it is far too premature to say he still can't enjoy at least two more top class international fights.
Okay, he faced an opponent who had the punching power of small child, did more running than Paula Ratcliffe and more holding than you will see in an episode of Strictly Come Dancing, but he was elusive and fast. Just the sort of opponent Hatton needed to face to dispel the myth that he was ponderous, too slow and too predictable.
Hatton probably went into the fight under more pressure than at any stage in his career. After the defeat to Floyd Mayweather Jnr and his unconvincing comeback victory over Juan Lazcano, many believed his powers were on the wane. Added to that Hatton was going into his first fight since splitting with mentor and former trainer Billy Graham.
It was appropriate the fight was held in Las Vegas because it seemed Hatton was having one last turn of the roulette wheel to resurrect his career, and he certainly came up trumps with a rejuvenated performance.
Like Joe Calzaghe, Hatton has fantastic support and can command rock concert-style crowds to his fights, and it looks like he will have another big pay day soon when he faces the winner of the Manny Pacquiao and Oscar de la Hoya fight this weekend.
Whoever is in the other corner, a new-look Hatton fighting in front of a big crowd at Wembley Stadium would be a fantastic occasion and would be a memorable fight.